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Edsel Cotter Obituary

Cotter Edsel Allen Cotter, 80, was promoted to glory March 27, 2017 AD at 5:44 a.m. He was born in Springfield, Ohio to Godly parents Russell Lincoln Cotter and Rebecca Elizabeth Baldwin Cotter. He is survived by wife, Shirley Kay Mahar Cotter; four children, and 12 grandchildren, Steven Cotter, Laura (Victor) Melfe, Alex, Molly, Mitchell, Thaddeus, Debra (Chris) Staggs, Jack, Whitney, Macy, Courtney, Mark (Rachel) Cotter, Grace, Marshall, Julian, Genevieve; and sister, Nancy (Robert) Rice; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He served as hospital administrator at OSU Hospitals for 20 years and Ohio Health for 15 years. He currently was serving on the preschool patrol, leading devotions for Men's Prayer Breakfast, working with the Church Farm Committee, and singing in the Church Choir. He is known for his sense of humor, wise counsel, being a good listener, and a gentle man. Visitation is Thursday night, March 30, 6-9 p.m. at RUTHERFORD-CORBIN FUNERAL HOME, 515 N. High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085; also one hour visitation Friday, March 31, 9:30am-10:30 a.m. at Overbrook Presbyterian Church, 4131 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214. Celebration of Life Service to follow. After grave-side service at Union Cemetery a light lunch will be served at Overbrook Church in Fellowship Hall. Memorials may be given to Overbrook's Church Choir or Church Farm (John Beltz Retreat), or a charity of your choice. Condolences to www.rutherfordfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit theĀ Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Mar. 28 to Mar. 29, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Edsel Cotter

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Joe Forquer

March 23, 2024

I cannot believe it has been 7 years since Ed has been gone. I think of him often in my work and regard him as one of the best leaders I have known. He was such a mentor to me and there will never be another one like Ed. His compassion for everyone, from our housekeepers to our executives, he took the time to know you and always speak. He truly was a wonderful kind man.

Tom Reis

March 22, 2022

You always new where Ed stood in a conversation. I will never forget the conversations I had with him in his office at Ohio Health. Truly a kind man and a smile you can“t forget.

Tom Reis

March 22, 2020

I was just talking to a friend about Ed the other day remembering a meeting in his office regarding the designing of the now Surgery Tower. He was truly the model of a GOOD person. I will not forget Ed.

TJR

Dave Buchan

April 5, 2017

Sorrow is the first thought I had when I heard Ed passed away. Always a gentleman, loved by many, quick to smile and bring joy to me. Saw his extraordinary kindness countless times whether in church or in the halls of Grant Hospital, in his suit...simply joy personified. My condolences to Shirley and the family. I am left to smile now when I think of his special place in Heaven. Love, the Buchan's.

Mark Brown

April 2, 2017

I first knew Ed from Central Methodist in Springfield and then met up again years later at Grant. Everyone liked Ed--so friendly and funny. He took on any job they asked of him and he got it done. Everyone felt that Ed was their friend. I'm so sorry for your loss, Shirley. His memory lives on.

J.M. Sensibaugh

March 31, 2017

I met Ed not long after taking my first full-time position out of college in a hospital mail room. In those days suits' were rarely encountered in the busy basement levels; however, it wasn't long before Ed recognized a new associate and not only introduced himself, but he took the time to understand my background and learn about me.

In the following years he stayed incredibly personable and engaged never failing to surprise me by what he retained from one encounter to the next. It also does not surprise me that other exceptional people similarly affected by Ed have already taken the time let the world know a really good man has passed. I hope it both comforts his loved one's and makes them proud. He will truly be missed. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Claudia O'Donnell

March 30, 2017

Mark and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was such a personable, kind and caring man. May sweet memories comfort you all. Bill and Claudia O'Donnell

March 30, 2017

We are so sorry to have lost such a loving father, husband and man. He and all of the Cotter Family are in our our thoughts. Julie and Steve Martin

March 30, 2017

Our deepest sympathy to Shirley and family!Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time! Love Andy and Carolyn Fitzwater

Paula Sulcebarger

March 30, 2017

Please accept my condolences to the whole Cotter family. Mr. Cotter was my Administrator when I first joined OSU Hospitals. He acknowledged everyone and knew something about each of them, from the top executives to the guy who swept the floor. He made everyone feel important. He is remembered fondly.

Sally Gilson

March 30, 2017

Our condolences to Shirley and their children. We will miss his gentle patience and compassion.

Paul Stoner

March 30, 2017

Our sympathies to the Cotter and Melfe families.
Paul and Renee Stoner family

March 30, 2017

Condolences to the Cotter family. In the mid fifties Ed roomed at our house on Frambes Ave. while attending OSU. Ed was always a pleasure to talk to and he often was invited to share some of my mom's leftover dessert! He also attended my mom's memorial service a few years ago. A very nice person.
Ed Violet

Dave & Marion Norris

March 30, 2017

Ed was a positive role model for all. He loved his family, a strong Christian and a caring administrator. I had the pleasure of working with Ed at Grant Medical Center for a Joint Commission visit. During walk-through Ed spoke to each employee by name and often had a question on events in their lives. At Dominion Middle School he served as PTA President for two years when his Son Mark was there. No one ran a more efficient meeting and addressed the challenges then Ed. You knew his love for Shirley and Family by his actions. It was always a treat to see him on his Clintonville front porch and share a word. Ed remains a positive influence on my life.
Our sympathies to Shirley and family. I know he is enjoying sharing stories with angels today!

Pat Wood

March 30, 2017

I worked with Edsel at OSU. He was funny, wise, caring and so much more. He will be remembered fondly.

Dianne O'Brien

March 29, 2017

Cotter Family - I had the pleasure of knowing Ed from working with him at OhioHealth. He was such a kind and compassionate man who never knew a stranger. The Grant Medical Center associates who knew him the best thrived on his leadership and support. He will be dearly missed.

Teri Easterday

March 29, 2017

Dear Cotter and Extended Family,
We're so sorry to hear of your loss. We share in your sadness, and will be praying for you. We rejoice in knowing that he is with Jesus, and now having the time of his life! What a joy to know this to be true, and may God hold you close and comfort you through these sorrowful times.
Love in Jesus, our only Hope,
Joy and Teri Easterday

Steve Spain

March 29, 2017

To the Cotter family: I had the honor of working with Ed at Grant. I considered him on of 3 mentors in my life. I learned so much from him working with him at Grant. My heart is broken when I heard of his death. Please understand that I will never forget him and what he taught me. His reward will be great in heaven.

Jennifer Wilford

March 29, 2017

Ed was one of the most pleasant people I've ever known! He was kind to everyone and a great example of our Christian heritage. May God keep him on the right side of his throne

March 29, 2017

I had the pleasure of working with Ed at Grant for many years. He was always wearing a smile and had a pleasant greeting. I'm glad he is in heaven with no more meetings to attend. He always spoke fondly of his wife and family. We were blessed to know him.
Diane Argabrite-Thurston

Debbie Mahar-Ent

March 29, 2017

I have not seen Ed for many years yet feel a need to reach out to his family. He was a wonderful man who served as an excellent role model to two very young parents. I will always remember him.

Mary Cull

March 29, 2017

My sympathy to the whole Cotter family. I always admired and respected Mr. Edsel Cotter during his administrative positions at OSU. He was a great leader and was well liked by all. RIP Mr. Cotter

Susie Arnold

March 29, 2017

Shirley, Steve, Laura, Debby and Mark, I am so sorry to hear of Ed's passing. He was a wonderful man and a delightful parent that really cared about you kids. My thoughts, hugs and prayers are with you.

Beverly Ressler

March 29, 2017

I did not have the pleasure of meeting Edsel Cotter but his son, Steve Cotter is a very dear friend of mine. Through Steve, I know what a very special person his father was. My deepest sympathies to Steve and his family.

Tom Reis

March 29, 2017

Ed, was one of the finest gentleman I have known, high integrity, honesty, and a true friend. I worked with Ed while he was with Ohio Health and I will always remember our frank and honest conversations. He will be missed by many, Tom Reis

Steve Swift

March 29, 2017

Cotter Family, I'm heartbroken to learn the news of Ed's passing. The Cotter family has been a significant element of my inner core of friends and family through my early life. Ed was my idol who I looked up to as a boy and sought council with in life with my career planning in healthcare. He will be deeply missed however, I will continue to reflect on my relationship with him and carry the wise advice and direction he provided to me through the journey.

Ben Freudenreich

March 29, 2017

This is a shock. I will miss Ed's good nature and humor. He always brought a smile to my face. As others have already commented, he made the world a better place. I want to extend my sympathy to Shirley and the family.

Ann Burson

March 29, 2017

I, too, am saddened to hear of Ed's passing. He was a true and selfless leader, a mentor and a friend. I'm lucky to have known him. My deepest condolences to Shirley and family.

Korodi's

March 29, 2017

Dear Cotter Family...we are so sorry for the loss of your Father. What an amazing,Godly man who has served to so many. Praying that you will be comforted and knowing that your father is in the arms of Jesus. Love to your family.

Fabienne (Faye) Butler

March 29, 2017

My condolences to Steve and family

Joe Forquer

March 29, 2017

I am so sad to hear this news. Ed was truly a remarkable person. He always had a kind word for you and was really interested in you and your family. He was a great mentor to me and I am forever thankful for all he did for me. There could not have been a kinder and gentler man than Ed. We will miss you

Jamie Youssef

March 28, 2017

I am deeply saddened by this news. Ed was truly one of the best people I have ever met. He made the world a better place and was always able to provide guidance through love and humor. He was a great man and lived right. You will be missed but not forgotten. Rest In Peace.

March 28, 2017

Dear Mrs. Cotter, Steve, Lara, Deb, and Mark,
Just wanted to let you know how much Mr. Cotter touched my life. He was such an awesome example of a Christian leader and family man. I remember him being my baseball coach and how patient and caring he was. Honestly one of my favorites of all my friends parents through the years. What a blessing to have had him in your lives. My heart goes out to all of you and you are in my prayers. Jenni (Reno) Houston

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